College Football Insider: Gophers emphasize opportunity, not failures, in Big Ten

The Big Ten's hopes of sending a team to the College Football Playoff seemed all but dashed last week when Michigan State, Ohio State and Michigan lost marquee nonconference games, while several others lost or won ugly.

But while national college analysts were busy writing the Big Ten's obituary, the Gophers had a decidedly different mood. They, too, were dissatisfied with the first two weeks, even at 2-0, but there were seedlings of hope.

"We look around the Big Ten right now, and it's just — " Gophers linebacker Jack Lynn said, cutting himself off, pondering the possibilities. "We're really taking the bull by the horns and taking this challenge because we believe we can do something special here."

The Big Ten West looks so wide open, the Gophers figure, "Why not us?"

Wisconsin has issues. Iowa struggled to beat Northern Iowa and Ball State. Nebraska almost fell to McNeese State. Northwestern is 0-2. Illinois has played two barnburners — against Youngstown State and Western Kentucky. And Purdue got clobbered by Central Michigan.

The Gophers built leads of 35-0 (against Eastern Illinois) and 28-0 (against Middle Tennessee State) before those teams scored a combined 44 second-half points, leaving the average margin of victory just 15.5 points.

The Gophers need to be better finishers, and they must improve their passing attack, but their conference schedule looks less daunting now — especially their interdivision games at Michigan (Sept. 27) and at home against Ohio State (Nov. 15).

Let's say Michigan State, 46-27 losers Saturday at Oregon, goes undefeated the rest of the way, which would mean beating Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and the West Division champion in the Big Ten title game. The quality of those wins probably won't resonate with the selection committee the way big wins will for teams inside the SEC and Pac-12.

That's a shame because Michigan State probably deserves better. The Spartans went into Autzen Stadium and controlled play for much of the game before Marcus Mariota and the Ducks pulled away. That defeat will look better for the Big Ten if Oregon runs the table, but it was still a 19-point loss.

Later Saturday night, Ohio State got beat by Virginia Tech, at home, by 14 points. And Notre Dame crushed Michigan 31-0.

The Big Ten can't wait to turn the page. Some traditional favorites — Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State and Wisconsin (vs. LSU) — couldn't deliver in their key nonconference matchups, but maybe other teams will.

Rutgers surprised Washington State in Week 1. This week's key matchups include: Gophers at TCU, Illinois at Washington, Iowa State at Iowa, West Virginia at Maryland, and Notre Dame at Purdue.

"I'd rather be the underdog, actually," tight end Maxx Williams said. "Because then no one expects you to do anything great and when you do, you did something awesome."

1. Michigan State (1-1)

Faded late at Oregon, missing a big chance, but still the premier team in this conference.

2. Wisconsin (1-1)

After blowing big lead vs. LSU, sputtered early against Western Illinois and then pulled away.

The Buckeyes rank last in the Big Ten in rushing defense, allowing 245.5 yards per game.

4. Iowa (2-0)

Brandon Scherff's knee surgery is a concern, especially for a team struggling to run the ball.

5. Nebraska (2-0)

Sure it was McNeese State, but Ameer Abdullah's tackle-shedding TD was one for the ages.

Minnesota leads the Big Ten in turnover margin, at plus-four (six gained, two lost).

7. Penn State (2-0)

Christian Hackenberg has thrown four picks but averages 387 passing yards per game.

8. Rutgers (2-0)

Two wins helped generate excitement for its first Big Ten game, Saturday against Penn State.

Devin Gardner's interception problems returned as he threw three against Notre Dame.

10. Indiana (1-0)

Indiana focused on the run in Week 1, but Kevin Wilson will air it out against Bowling Green.

11. Maryland (2-0)

The Terps will wear new uniforms, honoring the 200th anniversary of the American flag.

This team hasn't done much else right, but Wes Lunt looks like the real deal at QB.

13. Northwestern (0-2)

At least the bye week will give quarterback Trevor Siemian time to heal his lower-leg injury.

14. Purdue (1-1)